News

Westphalian Studbook publishes WFFS results

Aug 23, 2018

The Westphalian Studbook has published a list of Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) results. Five stallions have tested positive:

Ventador (Vigo D’Arsouilles x Lux), 2010 Westphalian champion A la Carte NRW (Abke x Lux), premium stallion Christiano (Coriano x Liberty Life), Lacordos (Lancer III x Acord II) and dressage stallion Quantissimo (Quantensprung x Distelzar).

The other 50 stallions on the list have tested negative. To see the complete list, click below:

http://westfalenpferde.de/de/pferdestammbuch/news/2018/WFFS_Info.php

What is WFFS?

An affected WFFS foal is born with a two copies of the mutated LHl gene, one coming from each parent. The affected foal will display extreme skin fragility characterized by tearing, ulceration, etc. from contact with normal surroundings. Small skin lesions can occur anywhere on the body, but are most noted on pressure points. In addition to skin wounds, lesions may also be found on the gums and other oral cavity mucous membranes. The Limb joints are lax and hyperextensible. Fetlocks are the most dramatically affected generally preventing a foal from standing normally.

No cure of WFFS

Unfortunately there is no cure and all affected foals must be euthanized soon after birth. As the condition worsens, the foal will begin to develop severe infections, as well as suffer from increasing pain and discomfort. Foals often die from these infections, or are euthanized within 3-8 days from birth for humane reasons.

WFFS is an autosomal recessive trait, meaning a foal can only be affected if the foal inherits the disease from both parents. Parents that are carriers do not have any symptoms associated with WFFS. However, they will pass on a copy of the defective gene to their offspring 50% of the time. If breeding two carrieres the foal has a 25% chance of being affected and a 50% chance of being a carrier.

Source: Animal Genetics

http://www.animalgenetics.us/Equine/Genetic_Disease/WFFS.asp